How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I've known about it for many years and knew this would be my only option. I tried contacting surgeons to see if they would do it when I had no insurance nor money but of course, no one did.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I was able to obtain insurance for 3 months and had approval in a few days. I was one of the lucky ones but I know a lot of people aren't. My advise to those who are having difficulties with the insurance companies is to KEEP TRYING.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My surgeon was very direct and to the point. He told me what my ideal weight should be as well as my realistic weight should be. He explained the life-change results the surgery would have on me and the testing I would have to undergo prior.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Not being able to tie my shoelaces, needing 2 plane seats, having difficulties with daily person hygene.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

In the years of waiting to have the surgery I was able to keep track of the different types of procedures as well as pros and cons of each one. I had met MANY people who had the Roux en Y with my surgeon and their results and I knew HE WAS THE MAN for the job.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I had NO fears of the surgery. When people asked me about fear I always responded, "I have more fear of NOT waking up one day cause I'm so heavy than not waking up from surgery to try to improve my life".

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

When I first started talking about surgery (approx. 10 years prior) my family was very opposed to the idea. As the years went by and the weight increased, they all realized that this was my only hope. Everyone around me supported me 100% and I would recomend telling as many people as possible for that support. If anyone becomes negative, disregard them and move on.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I owned my own business at the time of surgery. I was a hairdresser and I was out for 8 days. When I returned to work I was on a adjusted schedule. Since I attended weekly support meetings at the hospital, I was very aware that I would get tired easily. I would go to work in the morning for a few hours (around 5) went home for a couple of hours and then returned to the shop for a few more. I did that for about another week and then returned to regular 10-12 hour days.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I was in the hospital for 1 day and a few hours. The hospital I was in, Huntington Memorial in Pasadena, Ca, was very accomidating to Gastric Bypass patients. In our support group they had recommended to bring a "huggy pillow" for sneezing or coughing but I never found a use for it. I had no discomfort what so ever. I had surgery at 7:30 am and was walking the hallways by 1 pm that afternoon.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

None what so ever.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I got my date about 2 weeks prior and I was so busy with work and my final test for surgery that I really didn't have time for anxieties.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

My first 2 days home I was in and out of bed since I was taking the pain medication. I did have some issue with the gas in my belly, which was uncomfortable but not painful. By Thursday (3 days out) I drove myself to support group (approx 20 miles each way) and was able to stay the entire time and drive back.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I was lucky enough to find the perfect surgeon and hosptial 20 miles away from home.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

My surgeon has a great 6 week planner set up with what to eat, how much and how often. Including water, protien, juice etc and when to start trying different things.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

The day after getting home (2 days out) I started walking around the neighborhood. I would do things till I felt tired but never pushed myself beyond my limit. My suggestion, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I've been on 3 Flinstone vitamins a day, 2 B6 sublingual a week since surgery.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I really didn't have much of the effects except the dumping which I still get every once in a while and usually it can be avoided if I were to stay away from the "bad foods". Again, my support group at the hospital were so informative that I was able to be aware of many things to avoid the negative reactions.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Is there any "worst" to this??? Hmmm if I had to say anything bad it would be trying to keep the right size of clothes in the closet. I was dropping weight so quickly that I would go through a size before I would realize.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

The hospital provides weekly support groups ran by post op patients. I went to group for 4 months prior to surgery and for over a year post op. This is THE most import part of surgery.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have 5 scars that are " long. I've heard of other that have up to 9 of them. I'm happy it was only 5.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've been lucky that I really never plateaud. My wieght loss slowed down the last 30 pounds, but never stopped.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. I've noticed that people had a preconsived impression of being lazy and out of control and even dirty. Now they look at me and have NO impression until I start a conversation with them. The interesting part is walking into a room and not even being noticed cause i'm just a NORMAL person (what ever that is)